The Katavi is the third largest national park of Tanzania. The Katavi lies to the south west of Tanzania and east of Lake Tanganyika. It covers a total area of 4471 square kilometers. The name Katavi has been given after a renowned hunter Katabi. The ideal time to visit this place is from May to October because during the remaining season there is the possibility of heavy rainfall and as a result, the roadways may get flooded. The Katavi National Park has a serene and calm atmosphere, which attracts visitors of all ages in large numbers. The main attractions of this place are the Lake Katavi, Lake Chada and the Katuma River.
During the rainy seasons, the lakes get over flooded and the marshy and the swampy areas of the dense evergreen forest become the home ground for Tanzania's crocodiles, hippos and varied species of water birds. During the dry season the Katuma River gets dried and then it becomes the only source of drinking water. The wildlife of this area consists of buffaloes, giraffes, around 4000 elephants, red bucks, impalas, hyena clans, lions and zebras. The accommodation part can be well satisfied in the hotels of Mpanda, luxury tent camp near Lake Chada and rest house at Sitalike. Apart from this there are plenty of camps inside the park.
